Jared Leto Calls The Joker “A Role Of A Lifetime”

The prospect of portraying quite possibly the most iconic comic book villain of all-time is no easy task. The Joker, Batman’s most famous villain in his Rogues Gallery has been portrayed by the likes of Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill (voice), and Heath Ledger. Nicholson is a three-time Academy Award-winner and Ledger posthumously earned his Oscar portraying the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight.

It seems only natural that Warner Bros. and DC Films aim high for their talents, and following a monumental performance from Ledger, it is hard to find the right actor to fill in those shoes. Thankfully, it seems DC is prime for finding Oscar-winning talent when it comes to the Joker, and with Jared Leto taking over in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, fans can rest easy.

Leto, who has taken a method-approach to the role has discussed his dedication to the character as well as the high honor and responsibility he has being next in line.

Aww, it was a role of a lifetime. Really, it was an incredible honor to be asked to play the part. Look, there have been so many incredible performances of the Joker over the years. Then there’s the wonderful artists that have drawn this character and the writers that have written the Joker for 75 years and more through television and film and animated projects. I found it a real honor to be asked to continue the tradition. I’m so grateful that I had the chance, that’s my honest answer and my thoughts on it.

When it comes to a potential appearance at San Diego Comic Con, Leto aptly responded in proper Joker-like fashion.

(laughs) You’ll never know!

Leto’s performance as the Joker has been my most anticipated performance in a comic book movie in 2016. Having loved his performances in Requiem for a Dream and Dallas Buyers Club to name a few, I always felt that he would bring his A-game and be a worthy successor to Heath Ledger. What do you think of Leto’s sentiments? Sound off in the comments below.

It feels good to be bad…Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

I love the way Leto describes his Joker experiences. Every interview he gives, you can feel how much passion he has for the role and for the character. Could not be more excited to finally see his performance.